PRIDE Industries hires people with disabilities for Fort Bliss roles

PRIDE Industries, a contractor at Fort Bliss, employs people with disabilities in repair and maintenance roles that support the base's mission, according to KVIA.

Rusty Burns, a production control clerk with cerebral palsy, joined PRIDE Industries after graduating college. Burns said his position allows him to communicate with customers, technicians, and subcontractors. "I'm getting to communicate with our customers, our technicians, our subcontractors. This has been a blessing for me to get here -- making sure everyone's happy," Burns told the outlet.

Estefany Gonzalez, a supervisor at PRIDE Industries, has multiple sclerosis. She said her condition informs her management approach. "It helps me understand where they're coming from or what they might be feeling," Gonzalez said. "My guys are capable. They're all licensed."

Butch Henry supervises six employees on post, most of whom have disabilities. Henry said the company's approach focuses on workers' capabilities rather than their limitations. The positions come as October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month, highlighting employment opportunities for people with disabilities.